Short versus long term effects of cyanide on sugar metabolism and transport in dormant walnut kernels

•Gaceous HCN stimulates the germination of dormant walnut kernels.•HCN affects sugar metabolism in kernels prior to radicle protrusion.•The mobilization of sugars and their respiration are the immediate effects of HCN.•For longer term HCN increases gluconeogenesis of kernel lipid stores.•Increased sugar transport to embryonic axes is another longer term effect of HCN.